While nearby Chatfield draws millions, Waterton Canyon, on Denver Water Board land just south of the popular recreation mecca, allows cyclists, hikers and trout-killers a chance to get away from it all -- and them all -- along the South Platte River. On the wide bike trails, you can quickly escape urban life; the only other soul you may encounter on your ride is a bighorn sheep. Of course, there are civilizing touches here, including picnic tables and outhouses along the service road that flows into the Colorado Trail. Open from sunrise to sunset.